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The Heath, Photographs by Andy Sewell.
Published by Andy Sewell, 2011.
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The Heath
Reviewed by Antone Dolezal
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Andy Sewell
The Heath
Photographs by Andy Sewell
Andy Sewell, London, 2011. Hardbound. 84 pp., 39 color illustrations, 11-3/4x9-1/2".
It is on rare occasion that one opens a book of photographs reflective
of a specific place that speak softly to a personal journey of subtle
meditation, while at the same time contains imagery so moving as to
leave the viewer contemplating their own experience. This is where I
found myself after quietly absorbing the images in Andy Sewell's
self-published book
The Heath, pondering a personal sense of place and considering my own ideal of solitary reflection.
The Heath
is a book that suggests the notion of an eloquent withdraw. It is
also a book about a place, the Hampstead Heath, an ancient park located
at one of the highest points in London. It is a place seemingly buried
deep within the urban surroundings of the English city and exists as a
wild but managed landscape. Naturally captivated by the Heath, Sewell
spent five years losing himself in this hybrid expanse, creating a
series of photographs that have uncovered the subtle beauty of the
terrain, as well as his personal maturity in photographic approach.
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The Heath, by Andy Sewell. Published by Andy Sewell, 2011.
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The photographer's intelligent portrayal of his subject isn't for the
casual viewer, but rather for those who appreciate the challenge of
consuming the complexities a powerful narrative provides. While turning
the pages of
The Heath,
there comes a striking realization that Sewell's withdraw into the
dense forest and tall grasses never fully provide the photographer with
full seclusion. There is always an element of intrusion in these
photographs, an intrusion that is often so delicate as to be easily
overlooked. A distant light or scatter of birdseed seems insignificant,
but in this book it is the subtlety of the imagery that gives weight to
the series. At times the photographer shares a glimpse of the Heath's
popularity. An open field - designed to accommodate dozens of dog owners
and picnickers - appears from the shade and solitude of the forest
trees. It is as if while on an isolated path, Sewell stumbled upon
another reality for those who enjoy this controlled environment.
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The Heath, by Andy Sewell. Published by Andy Sewell, 2011.
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Operating within the limitation of a self-published book, Sewell
creatively pre-sold 89 limited edition copies that led to the funding
and publication of this title. By doing so, the photographer managed to
produce an object that is beautiful in design. Imprinted on the cloth
cover is a subtle map of the urban habitat surrounding the Heath, giving
a context to the broader environment and importance to the management
of public lands provided by the city of London. The exquisite end-papers
and stunning printing further elevates this object and serves as an
inspiring model for those seeking self-publication.
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The Heath, by Andy Sewell. Published by Andy Sewell, 2011.
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While Sewell admits he frequents the Heath to
find a place that feels natural, his photographs display the reality
that he is not alone in this quest. The presence of others and apparent
management of the land may always be there, but what is also clear from
the images in this book is that the photographer has found a place that
allows for his own sense of solitary contemplation... even if only for a
little bit of time.
—Antone Dolezal
purchase book
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Antone Dolezal is a New Mexico
based photographer and writer. His photographs have been exhibited and
published nationally and are held in several private and public
collections. His writing contributions have appeared regularly in
various photographic publications, including Finite Foto, photo-eye Blog
and photo-eye Magazine. Antone studied photography, art history and
writing at the College of Santa Fe, receiving his BFA in 2006.
